Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Introit (Entrance Antiphon) or Hymn If the given antiphon is not used, as in many Masses with music, then it is substituted with a hymn that accompanies the procession. Weekday Masses frequently have the introit recited, either by the … Continue reading →

The Mass is divided between two essential parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  (Formerly, the first part of the Mass was labeled the Mass of Catechumens given that the early Church would allow inquirers to … Continue reading →

While the origins of the Mass clearly go back to the Last Supper of Christ, the development of the liturgy does not become clear until the time of the Gelasian Sacramentary.  Once ascribed to Pope Gelasius I (492-496 AD), it … Continue reading →

Is 58:7-10 / Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 / 1 Cor 2:1-5 / Mt 5:13-16 Isaiah is the great prophet for the coming Messiah and so it should not surprise us that his admonitions about charity deeply reflect our Lord’s ministry … Continue reading →

COMMENT & QUESTIONS How are we to interpret Mark 16:18? “They will pick up snakes with their hands and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them.” Isn’t this promoting dangerous behavior? Should we take this figuratively? I’d … Continue reading →

QUESTIONS I have seen conflicting opinions and would like yours. When we die what is the connection between sin and where we end up? Do we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and repent? Can we be saved … Continue reading →

The past 12 reflections have avoided giving extended biographies of the saints. There are many good books that already do this. Three I would recommend are as follows: When we speak of the saints as a “parable” people and signs … Continue reading →

While the language is difficult to interpret, there is much we can learn about the role of the saints and intercession from the Book of Revelation. The saints render prayers to God that rise up like the smoke from incense.  … Continue reading →

The one great omission in these reflections is upon the subject of celestial or angelic saints. Given their nature it is difficult to put forth angels as exemplars for human behavior and hopes. I suppose the topic of pure spirits … Continue reading →

We can talk on and on about holiness, but that does not make any of us truly holy. Holiness is made possible by a profound openness or receptivity toward almighty God. He shares something of himself. We have many tools … Continue reading →